We Are What We Are

By Deborah King-Eichholz

An ongoing dialogue about the various groups in Muncie and Delaware County begs to question...is the name of our small, but growing political action group, redundant to the effort to address our tax bills, our local government spending and the "Politics As Usual" swamp we've been mired in for so long? Is the name a bit controversial?

The POT Party came about because of the reaction of friends, family and neighbors to the horrendous tax bills and the even more horrifying explanation why many people, particularly the elderly and those with limited incomes, might be facing losing their homes and their sense of security. It was born of rage, frustration and need. We were out and about first, with only a self-explanatory name to help us gain ground, attention and participation. It was, aside from our sincere concern for our town, our only asset.

Perhaps it may seem controversial, but it cost us nothing but stares from total strangers, smiles from those who might hope it might be for marijuana law reform and a huge amount of " oh, my God - please change the name " pleas from my father. Now, thanks to the public venues and signs we've been able to distribute, people do know us and understand that we are committed to a building a better mousetrap - a city we can be proud of, a local government which truly serves its' citizens and where everyone has a chance to be part of the rebirth.

Our small army will grow and will strengthen.

We are not interested in self - profit or a power grab or personal gain.

That's been done and we've all suffered for it and we are paying the bills. The Bully Boys and Girls would like us all to pretend " the other guy " is responsible, that we will go away, that we won't band together to become educated, enlightened and empowered, but we are here and we are NOT going away. We've been asleep far too long and we've been afraid to stand up, confront and question our elected officials. Now, there are several groups taking to the streets and meeting places - all standing up and being heard. We are not nameless, faceless ATM machines and we will not go away.

There's room for all of us to voice our concerns. It's important that we know and understand that simple fact - that we have that right. They've taken our money, taken our trust and taken away our sense of security. They cannot and will not take anything else - NOT without a fight.

When it comes right down to it, we are fighting the same battle at this time - to make The Powers That be Accountable for their spending and to put the brakes on a budget both bloated and corrosive. The POT Party is also, as I've said, concerned with long term change within the local government. The fight is now, with an eye to the future.

So are we redundant, in a field of protestors ? No.

Is our name controversial ? No, it says it all - we ARE Pissed Off and we do pay taxes. It's direct and to the point. It's also affordable !

People have said we have come under some scrutiny, that some people within established political parties might wish we would go away before election day. As long as there are people who need a helping hand to stand and fight for their homes, to fight for a government which will address the needs of its' people, we aren't going anywhere.

We are The POT Party and we are here to stay.

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